Right on Clyne: Liverpool land Southampton and England defender

The 24-year-old has cost Brendan Rodgers’ Reds a reported and relatively modest £12.5m (£10m up front) and has been handed a long-term contract at Anfield (thought to be five years), becoming the Merseyside outfit’s sixth summer signing already.

“I’m delighted and it’s a dream move for me to come here and play for such a big club with all of its history,” said Clyne. “I can’t wait to get started. As soon as Liverpool showed their interest in me, I was happy and just wanted the deal to go through.

“The gaffer has shown a lot of interest in me and this is a place where I can improve as a player, I think. It’s definitely a good opportunity to come here and try to fulfil my potential.

“I’ve played at Anfield before and know what the atmosphere is all about. It’s a great atmosphere and will make me rise to the challenge. I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully it can push me on to putting on good performances.”

Securing the services of a proven Premier League right back has been top priority for Liverpool once it became clear that Glen Johnson was leaving at the end of his contract. Rodgers has had to play Emre Can, a holding midfielder by trade, in that position at times during 2014/15.

Other options Jon Flanagan, Javi Manquillo and Andre Wisdom are injured, out of favour despite signing a two-year loan deal from Atletico Madrid, and just returned from a season’s spell at West Bromwich Albion respectively.

Clyne is the third recruit in defensive areas drafted in by Rodgers and Reds chief executive Ian Ayre, following the free transfer of Bolton Wanderers and Hungary goal guard Adam Bogdan, and Charlton Athletic teenage talent Joe Gomez. England midfielder James Milner (free), Burnley striker Danny Ings (tribunal to set the fee) and Brazil attacker Roberto Firmino (£29m) are the other Anfield arrivals to date.

With 20/1 Premier League title chances Liverpool, Clyne once again links up with ex-Saints trio Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren.

Rodgers will hope having him alongside the latter will help the Croatia centre back rediscover fine form showed at St Mary’s, which earned Lovren a big money move to Merseyside in the first place.